Lotus is really on the move expanding its operations. Looks like rallying is the next frontier, as the Exige R-GT shows promising performance in its first outing.

The R-GT completed its first shakedown successfully in Italy and went for its holidays to prepare for the 2012 FIA world rally championship, in which the car is set for tarmac events at Monte Carlo, Tour de Corse and San Remo.

Lotus rally car is powered y the same 350-hp 3.5 liter supercharged V6 found in the road-going Exige S and Evora S. The output however is restricted in accordance with FIA regulations. The looks of this car kinda remind us of the legendary Lancia Stratos.

We will definitely be hearing more from Lotus Exige R-GT in the new year.

Group Lotus Director of Motorsport Claudio Berro said, “When you consider that we’ve only began working on this car in July, I think what we’ve achieved in that time has been incredible. For me the Exige S makes the perfect GT rally car, it has an awesome 3.5-litre, supercharged engine, and we’ve managed to balance the weight perfectly to meet the minimum weight regulations. The shakedown today (23rd December) has only made us even more excited to show off the car in true race form early next year – I think we’re doing the Lotus motorsport pedigree proud.”